Faunistic and floristic post-fire succession in southern Switzerland:an integrated analysis with regard to fire frequency and time sincethe last fire

摘要

The effects of fires on fauna are generally studied in a single or few groups for arnshort to medium term period. Fire ecological evaluations are rarely supported by different elementsrnrepresenting various trophic levels and spatial scales. In the present study we investigatedrnthe post-fire ecological effects on flora and fauna with regard to fire frequency and time elapsedrnsince the last fire during the last 30 years using both the vegetation and some faunistic groups. Asrnresponse parameters we used the species richness and the species composition. The results showrnthat fast spreading surface winter fires of low to medium intensity which occur often on the southernrnslope of the Alps are an important factor initiating succession and adaptation processes inrnplants and animals, enhancing biodiversity and promoting species conservation. Moreover ourrnstudy confirms the importance of an integration of different elements in the analysis that permit arnbetter understanding of the complexity of the forest ecosystem. This is also the best way to developrnjudicious recommendations for post-fire management activities.